Easy / Cheap Pot Still Design for first timer?

[beer-baron]

Hi everyone,

So I'm wondering if anyone can point me to a good build for a simple pot still for a first timer. I can get some copper pipe, but I'd probably be using some kind of stock pot as my boiler.

The simpler the better.

Thank you!

[Bearcat]

after reading new distiller lounge and safety practices repeadedly....pic one that fits your abilities and follow tried and true recipes...all on the board index and found with search function.
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... still+.pdf

[bentstick]

Beer baron take a look at samohon pot head, simple very do able and has made me fine product for awhile now. I how ever made a modification instead of going down at a 45 I turn 90 degrees horizontal added a copper union and 90 degree elbow so I can adjust the height of the condenser. Somebody else did it here and there is a pic to go with it if I find it I will post. Please do read read and reread it will unscramble it self when it starts to get put into practice.

[Coaster]

@ beer-baron,

Below is a download link to a PDF document of Forum Member’s Samohon Pot-Still Drawing ->

http://homedistiller.org/forum/download ... hp?id=8418

Regards,
Coaster

[beer-baron]

Thanks for the help everyone.

Can anyone explain why we need to reduce the size of the copper pipe gradually?

Why can't I just take a 1/4" copper pipe and bend it all the way from the pot to the collector?

Thanks

[Prairiepiss]

It can be if you so choose. But 1/4" is to small. Not enough flow. And could be clogged very easily if pukeing occurs. Even for a small pot. 3/8" min. 1/2" even better.

But I would suggest not going this route. And build something a little bigger and more thought out. Why waste your time on something you will more then likely want to upgrade later. And makes the learning curve harder. There are so many examples of pot stills around here. To choose from. Just need to research them. You owe it to yourself.

[beer-baron]

great advice.

I'm just trying to source some 2" copper pipe locally and see what I can do.

[SIXFOOTER]

There is an ebay guy selling 2" by the inch

[Samohon]

The pot I used for this design was 40L, (sold a few of them as complete units, with no problems). If I were to do it again, I would probably not change the pot head, but make an easy-flange like I have now and tri-clamped to a 50L keg for a little more headroom...
If I get some time I'll update the drawing to include the easy-flange but atm, i'm swamped...

hope it helps...

[instableoxymoron]

I am attempting to make a similar pot still design for my first still. I found some discussions here prior to finding your blueprint. Someone suggested using a 12" length for the 2" pipe coming out of the boiler (I am using a 15.5 gallon keg). Is that length okay? I have more 2" pipe but I am going to make an easy flange and was going to use my remaining 4' pipe for a reflux design when I get the hang of what I am doing.

Here is what I have purchased but haven't finalized anything yet -

12" of 2" pipe
2" to 1 1/2" reducer
1 1/2" 90 deg angle
1 1/2" to 3/4" reducer (I was thinking of adding a thumper later - should I use 1 1/2" for the thumper or is 3/4" good enough?)
3/4" 45 deg angle
Liebeg is going to be 3/4" pipe with 1/2" on the inside at 30mm length.

I noticed that you have a lot of nipples and couplers in your design. This is all new to me. Is that the preferred way or could I just solder the 3/4" copper pipe into the 1 1/2" reducer? I am also confused about how to have the 1/2" inside of the 3/4" pipe for the liebeg. I was thinking I could have a 3/4" to 1/2 reducer which would allow me to connect the 1/2" inner pipe and then I think I could weld the outer 3/4" pipe to the other part of the reducer?

Newb with lots of questions...thanks for any and all help. I ended up purchasing 10' of 3/4" and 1/2" pipe because it wasn't that expensive and I thought I may need it later and I also have another 4' of 2" that I was thinking of using for a reflux later.

Thanks!